Uh-oh, getting the KLR itch again

[sagerat]

Sold my '05 as it too many memories related to the ex.  Bought a GSA and I've been loving the Big Lug, but I won't take it places where I used to crash, er, ride the KLR.  For me, the GSA is my two-upper and my touring bike with some well-maintained gravel roads or USFS roads thrown in for good measure.  The KLR went up several goat trails to nowhere, to fire lookouts, to microwave relay station sites, to places we had no business attempting.  

I recognize the symptoms of impending bike purchase:  the scanning of classified ads, the craigslist sleuthings, the nosing around model-specific websites.  Buddy who had a KLR and now has a KTM 990R Adventure keeps trying to talk me out of another Kawi and instead go for a used KTM 950 or 990.  Much more coin, but much better off-road.  Big Orange is impressive, admittedly.

Hmm, thoughts from the collective?  While I enjoyed the Kawi off-road, it's lack of brakes (even with stainless steel brakelines) and lack of passing power made it frustrating on the roads.  Although 52-55 mpg did much to ease that pain; even got 62 mpg once.  Plus the KLR is an excellent DIY bike.

Then I'll start honing in on a Ural Gear Up, which I've wanted for years.  

[bubba zanetti]

Did the KLR to KTM 950 switch and have ridden a KLR once since. Think of the KTM as a bigger but more competent KLR. It goes anywhere the KLR went and has better ground clearance, brakes and the suspension on the KTM is amazing. On road it is a great bike for touring and just putting around.  IF I got the itch for a more off road dual sport I would be looking at DRZ 400 or smaller KTM's.  IF I was looking for a most offroad bike I would likely head down to a 250 with some road capability.  

But I am loving this bike and do not miss the functionality of the KLR at all.  I still miss the bike as I was rather attached to it, but that is more nostalgia than longing for what it was good at. Getting back on a KLR after the KTM feels ... er ... primative.    No offence to those that own em and love em. They are just ... different is all.

[KLRchickie]

Hmm, thoughts from the collective?  While I enjoyed the Kawi off-road, it's lack of brakes (even with stainless steel brakelines) and lack of passing power made it frustrating on the roads.  Although 52-55 mpg did much to ease that pain; even got 62 mpg once.  Plus the KLR is an excellent DIY bike.

685cc kit solves the passing issue!  Big front rotor makes the stopping power adequate (still not hand-of-God by any means, but adequate).  Bigger bore does NOT have a negative impact on fuel consumption, by the way.

I'd never try to talk someone OUT of a KLR!

[kurtw]

Are you keeping the GS for two-up touring? If so, a 990 doesn't seem like a great complement to the GS (But I know you've been lusting after one for a long time).

Something smaller and lighter would be a much better stable-mate to the GS. Try something different this time around!  
  Honda XR650L, BMW G650GS, Husqavarna TE 630, KTM 690 EnduroR. (what am I forgetting?)

The only thing that the KLR may have over any of these is road tourabiity, but you have the GS for that. This will all outperform the KLR in most other ways including the ones you mentioned.

BTW, I just sold off the KTM640A and farkled a 690 to replace it.

[rgbeard]

Paging BMW-K.  Robert to the white courtesy phone, please.

[kurtw]

Paging BMW-K.  Robert to the white courtesy phone, please.

That's what I was forgetting (focused on the big bores due to the comments on passing, but who cares about passing on pavement when you're talking about offroad bikes...). A WR250 would be a lot of fun! We have too much good riding here to not have a good dirt-worthy bike and the 250 would do everything that the GS doesn't. I'm surprised I don't see more of them.

[scottzilla]

I just back from crashing my klr.  It is what it is.    
I think you can buy a 2010 for 3 grand.  I think KTM cost a bit more than that.

[kurtw]

Yeah, it pretty much goes without saying that a KLR would fit the bill and complement the GS well.  

[atadaskew]

DR650.

Or Vespa P200E with knobbies.

[sammyseaman]

DR650.

Or Vespa P200E with knobbies.

The DR gets no love aroung here  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

You know the KLR, you love the KLR. It's cheap. It's easy. What's the hesitation?

[atadaskew]

You know the KLR, you love the KLR. It's cheap. It's easy. What's the hesitation?

I think he read about all the problems you've had with yours.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I think he read about all the problems you've had with yours.

 


 

[swingset]

The DR gets no love aroung here  

It should, it's a great bike with a lot better trail manners than the KLR. It's also more reliable, IMHO, a great "all arounder" for offroad touring.

I'm partial to lighter, better offroad dual sports, but if I were after a big bore I'd buy the DR650 over anything else, even a 990.

[danketchpel]

If I already had the GS1200 I don't think the 950/990 KTM makes much sense either, too similar.

I'd opt for 650 class single, KLR650, DR650 or TE610/630, maybe a KTM 525/530 EXC if REAL off-road were the priority.

Of the choices above I'd decide on how much road riding I would do on it then chose between them. I'd even consider a DRZ400-S if you wanted to go even lighter but it's not all that happy on the freeway. I "think" I'd lean towards the DR650 myself given your statements of how you ride.

BTW, the KLR can have decent passing power with a little tweaking. I pass all manner of vehicles on mine without much trouble and it's still a 650 (no big bore kit). All I did was a pipe, desnorkle, a little jetting and it came alive. It's no brute but it will surprise you. But... load it with luggage and ride over a 8,000 ft pass and all that glory is gone......  

[kurtw]

I'd even consider a DRZ400-S if you wanted to go even lighter but it's not all that happy on the freeway.

I forgot the DRZ too.

Peter, a friend here locally is getting ready to sell a nice DRZ400 with stock dirt wheels/tires plus a set of 17" supermoto wheels. Could be something fun to think about.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I forgot the DRZ too.

Peter, a friend here locally is getting ready to sell a nice DRZ400 with stock dirt wheels/tires plus a set of 17" supermoto wheels. Could be something fun to think about.

When I went to Mexico in 2004 one of the guys on the trip was on a DRZ400. Mostly stock and he rode it every day for about a month. Granted, some days of solid pavement riding were tough on him, but he said that it really was a good bike for the trip. We did a lot of sand/dirt riding and the bike handled very well  

[sagerat]

I have thought about the DRZ, but would want to sit on one to see how it would handle my 6'1" 210 pound self.  Plus it seems like it would need a larger aftermarket tank for life out here in the toolies.  

[Mac]

I have thought about the DRZ, but would want to sit on one to see how it would handle my 6'1" 210 pound self.  Plus it seems like it would need a larger aftermarket tank for life out here in the toolies.  

I had a 2005 DRZ-400s for several years and put about 10,000 milies on it. At 6'5" and 250, the DRZ handled my size and mass quite well. I had no problems on the highway either, It could run 75 all day. Off road, it was a bit on the heavy side for all the times I ended up dropping it(317lbs), but it was good for all but the tightest single track.
I would recommend an aftermarket seat. The stock is good for off road, but if you're in the saddle for more then an hour or so, it feels like a 2x4.  

I had the Clarke 4.0 gal tank. I got 160 or so miles on a tank.

[sammyseaman]

I had a 2005 DRZ-400s for several years and put about 10,000 milies on it. At 6'5" and 250, the DRZ handled my size and mass quite well. I had no problems on the highway either, It could run 75 all day. Off road, it was a bit on the heavy side for all the times I ended up dropping it(317lbs), but it was good for all but the tightest single track.
I would recommend an aftermarket seat. The stock is good for off road, but if you're in the saddle for more then an hour or so, it feels like a 2x4.  

I had the Clarke 4.0 gal tank. I got 160 or so miles on a tank.

Great! Thanks a lot!   Now I have another bike that I'm gonna be wanting. Jerk!



JK   I've been really wanting to get back on the dirt with a DP and the DRZ sounds like it might be my perfect compromise   Time for Sam to do a little homework  

[DaisyCutter]

I loved my KLR.

My 2007 had all the brake and suspension farkles, even a front fender from my KX250.



I'd a kept it if it had just 10 more MPH.

I still find myself missing the fun I had on it.

I used to hit the twisties and ride it like I hated it.  It never crashed me.  I'm always afraid of crashing my expensive bikes.

 

I would drag the pegs on it.

[studiobill]

I have a R1200RT and a KLR and for me it is the perfect combo.  I take the KLR places I would never take an expensive dual sport. I've dropped it on  ice and in mud and it never bats an eye, and with the crash bars I installed there was no damage either time.  

Bill
07 RT
09 KLR

[kurtw]

I have thought about the DRZ, but would want to sit on one to see how it would handle my 6'1" 210 pound self.  Plus it seems like it would need a larger aftermarket tank for life out here in the toolies.  

In case you're interested, here's his ad. It was at my house for the last week...too bad the topic didn't come up then  

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/2383449301.html (bike is in Redmond)

Fully farkled DRZ that has absolutely no issues. It does not smoke and does not burn oil. One owner and properly maintained. Full synthetic oil and filter change every 750 miles or after long off-road rides. The only thing I was going to do to it was put in aggressive cams and a 440 kit once it started showing signs it needed a top end...... still waiting, so I will leave that decision to its future owner. Everything is included to go between wheel sets in less than an hour. I will also be available in any way I can if the buyer needs help or has any questions on this bike down the road. I have done all the work on it myself and know every square inch of it. The price is firm, and I will not remove X to reduce the price etc. All or nothing.... It is best to reply to this listing as I work nights but feel free to call me, I am usually up by mid afternoon and calling late is fine with me. Thanks for looking.

Aaron

Full res pictures and a quick start and walk around vid here: http://www.aaronjohnston.com/drz
-06 DRZ-400S
-16K MILES (no smoke and does not burn oil)
-SUPER MOTO 17 INCH WHEEL SET (http://www.warp9racing.com/sm_wheels_suzuki.html)
-320MM ROTOR AND RELOCATOR
-EXTRA 47 TOOTH REAR SPROCKET FOR THE SUPER MOTO RIMS (currently has 42 tooth for street use. The 47 would be used for a track setup)
-STOCK 18 AND 21 WHEEL SET
-FCR-MX 39MM CARB (http://shop.thumpertalk.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=INT_KEIHIN_DRZFCRMX)
-YOSHIMURA RS3 HEADER
-YOSHIMURA RS3 EXHAUST
-IMS 4.0 GAL TANK
-IMS PEGS
-IMS SHIFTER
-MOOSE BASH PLATE
-MOOSE HAND GUARDS
-RADIATOR GUARDS
-MOOSE BAR RAISERS
-PRO TAPER BARS
-FRONT AND REAR RIMLOCKS INSTALLED ON OFFROAD WHEEL SET
-BAJA DESIGNS REAR LED ASSEMBLY
-TT CASE GUARDS
-TT MCCT
-ZETTA CHAIN GUARD
-VAPOR PROGRAMMABLE SPEEDOMETER
-VAPOR PROTECTIVE DASH
-.48 FORK SPRINGS WITH 7WT JUICE.
-UFO SUPER MOTO FENDER
-RICKY STATOR
-VALVES JUST CHECKED
-CS SEAL JUST REPLACED
-STOCK GAS TANK INCLUDED
-STOCK HEADER AND EXHAUST INCLUDED

[swingset]

I've owned a DRZ400, and while it's a good bike I would never own another. I think the WR250R eclipses it in about every way possible, except for power (and it's actually pretty close). It's got a much better suspension, 6-speed, FI, cruises better, has a better seat, longer maintenance intervals, less pesky things to address, better engine protection, and it feels WAAAAY lighter offroad. The DRZ is kind of piggy for being a 400, for a bike that feels heavy offroad, might as well just buy a DR or XRL.

My .02

[scottzilla]

The op wants to ride with passenger. I think the klr is his best option.

[kurtw]

The op wants to ride with passenger. I think the klr is his best option.

Does he? Sagerat?

For me, the GSA is my two-upper ...

If the dual-sport is to be a two-upper also, then I agree with scottzilla. But I didn't get that impression and isn't the GSA the perfect two-up bike for anything offroad that can be reasonably ridden two-up (or the Gear Up   )?

Gotta say that you did seem to get along quite well with the KLR.

[Kraz]

KLR's are so cheap it's not a horrible idea, though the performance isn't great, or even good, even with a 685cc kit, especially if you load her down with bags, bars, skid plate, etc.  When you're out on a fire road though - the power doesn't matter so much - the low end grunt of a single is all you need.

Great value though - I'd say go for it.

[sagerat]

Typing after an evening of McMenamin's microbrews so pardon mistakes.  KLR would be just for me and dinking in woods. GSA would be two-upper and two-up only on pavement.

[DangerMoney]

Sold my '05 as it too many memories related to the ex.  Bought a GSA and I've been loving the Big Lug, but I won't take it places where I used to crash, er, ride the KLR.  For me, the GSA is my two-upper and my touring bike with some well-maintained gravel roads or USFS roads thrown in for good measure.  The KLR went up several goat trails to nowhere, to fire lookouts, to microwave relay station sites, to places we had no business attempting.  

I recognize the symptoms of impending bike purchase:  the scanning of classified ads, the craigslist sleuthings, the nosing around model-specific websites.  Buddy who had a KLR and now has a KTM 990R Adventure keeps trying to talk me out of another Kawi and instead go for a used KTM 950 or 990.  Much more coin, but much better off-road.  Big Orange is impressive, admittedly.

Hmm, thoughts from the collective?    

I went through a similar experience: This one's too big, this one's too small.

I found my perfect in-between bike with power, brakes, off-road capability and much less weight than my 12GS: KTM 950 Super Enduro.